Which of the following best describes a psychological autopsy?

A psychological autopsy is a process used to reconstruct a person's psychological state and circumstances leading up to a significant event, often a suicide or violent act. This method gathers information from various sources to understand the person's mental health and emotional struggles at that time.

Creating a profile based on testimonies from acquaintances is central to this method, as it relies on observations and insights of those who knew the individual well. This helps to piece together the person's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, leading to a more comprehensive view of their mental state prior to the event. It draws from qualitative data and personal narratives, making it a rich source for understanding psychological conditions.

In contrast, studying mental illness symptoms simply examines observable behaviors or reported feelings without the contextual storytelling that a psychological autopsy entails. An analysis of a person's criminal history focuses on their actions without delving into their emotional or psychological background. A clinical evaluation of mental health is a direct assessment typically conducted by a professional, often not involving the broader narrative approach of collecting testimonies from acquaintances. Together, these distinctions clarify why creating a profile based on testimonies is characteristic of a psychological autopsy.